Mortar Battery

Mortar shells from this battery rose in high arcs and fell onto warships, tearing through canvas sails and bursting on wooden decks. Joined with heavy guns on both sides of the river, the battery made running the blockade a hazardous assignment for British sailing vessels. It is believed to have consisted of four land mortars—a 13” brass, a 10” iron, a 10” brass, and an 8” iron—as well as one 13” iron sea mortar. Its shells could be hurled accurately 1,200 to 1,500 yards, enough to reach completely across to the opposite river bank. These mortars fired over parapet walls, and no frontal ditches were needed because of the virtually insurmountable cliffs on the east. Fired at upward angles of 45 to 70, the mortars could launch several kinds of projectiles, including hollow powder-filled balls that exploded on impact, incendiary shells called carcasses that spread fire, and baskets or canisters filled with stones; all of these explosive and incendiary projectiles were called boms. Mortar crews were smaller than cannon crews, but their firing procedure was basically the same—sponging, loading, aiming, and firing—and, as with all muzzle-loading pieces, effective use depended on teamwork, rhythm, and weeks of practice.

Fort Lee, New Jersey · United States